Emerald, other women honored

Sacramento  San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald was among the “women of the year” honored by Assembly lawmakers recently.

The annual Capitol ceremony is designed to highlight the contributions of women to local communities.

Emerald was selected by Assemblyman Marty Block, D-San Diego, in recognition of her service on the council, with local charities and as a former television journalist,

Other San Diego County women honored included:

• Saundra Waeker of Oceanside, honored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, for her volunteer work and teaching Sunday school in addition to running a small business.

• Marie Waldron of Escondido, honored by Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, for her work on the Escondido City Council and running a small business.

• Sharon Lawrence of San Diego, honored by Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego, for her word as chief executive officer of Voices for Children.

• Ronne Froman of San Diego, honored by Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, for her 31 years in the Navy rising to the rank of 2-star admiral and volunteer work. She also formerly served as a top aide to San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.

• Pamela Bensoussan of Chula Vista, honored by Assemblyman Ben Hueso, D-Chula Vista, for her work helping build sustainable communities and with schools and parks. Bensoussan is a member of the Chula Vista City Council.

• Ruth Elizabeth Wimpy Smith of San Diego, honored posthumously by Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee, for her participation in the community and work on the local family values voter guide.